Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: The Nagaland School Education Department signed an MoU with the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation for the implementation of a scholarship initiative under the Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat conference hall in Kohima.
Speaking at the programme, Nagaland Adviser for School Education, Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, said the scholarship programme will primarily benefit students from government schools who have recently passed the HSLC examination, adding that the timing of the initiative is appropriate following the declaration of results.
Yhome noted that the programme is unique in its approach as it supports students not only at the school level but also through higher education, including professional courses.
He stated that in a state like Nagaland, where many communities live in rural and economically constrained settings, such initiatives will play a crucial role in expanding opportunities and aspirations among students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Yhome further stated that education remains a key priority for the people of Nagaland and expressed confidence that the collaboration would have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of students in the state.
Principal Consultant of the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation, Pankaj Tripathi, said it was an honour for the foundation to implement the programme in Nagaland.
Providing an overview of the programme, Tripathi said the Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme was initiated in 1999 in Kerala and is currently operational in 22 states and Union Territories.
He added that the programme extends beyond financial assistance and also includes mentoring, career counselling, soft skills development, and internship opportunities.